NEWCASTLE CLOSE TO SIGNING HOFFENHIEM STRIKER

According to report making the rounds, Newcastle are close to completing a big- money move forHoffenheim strikerJoelton, with Leipzig coachRalf Rangnick, surprised by talk of his side making a bid. He admitted that RB Leipzig would not be able to match Newcastle United ‘s reported €60 million (£52m/$68m) bid for the player. Although he doesn’t think the Magpies would make such a move.

Many also believe the Premier League side would not want to splash that much on a player when they can budget for more legs. Despite reports in Germany that Newcastle are close to a deal, it remains largely open.
Rafael Benitez’s men broke their long-standing transfer record in January when they paid a fee in the region of £21m ($27m) to Atlanta United, for playmaker Miguel Almira, who shone on his full debut for the Magpies against Huddersfield Town on Saturday

Despite this, Rangnick, who spoke to journalists on Leipzig’s interest in Joelinton, is sceptical that Newcastle would spend such a massive fee, as controversial owner Mike Ashley islookingto sell the club. He did admitthat the purported asking price of €60m would also see Leipzig ruled out of the running for the 22-year-old, though.

He said he only read about Newcastle’spurported willingness to pay roughly £50m for him, Rangnik said if the umbers are true, Leipzig would not pay it. But he would surprise if Newcastle signs him because Mike Ashley, has never paid more than around £20m for a player, and is contemplating selling the club and wants to make a profit.